Saul
Israel’s first king — tall, chosen, and undone by jealousy.
Old Testament · c. 1050 BC · 1 Samuel · Also known as King Saul, Son of Kish
About Saul
Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was anointed by Samuel as Israel’s first king. He began with promise and early victories, but his disobedience led God to reject him as king. Consumed by jealousy toward David, he spent years hunting him, and died in battle on Mount Gilboa.
Before Saul, Israel was led by judges and prophets. The people asked Samuel for "a king to judge us like all the nations." God told Samuel that in asking, the people were rejecting God as their king — but allowed it, with warnings. Saul’s reign marks the start of Israel’s monarchy.
The story
Looking for donkeys
Saul was searching for his father’s lost donkeys when he came to the prophet Samuel. He was "a choice young man," taller than anyone. He went looking for animals and came home anointed as king.
1 Samuel 9:1-10:1
Hiding among the baggage
When all Israel gathered to see their new king, Saul couldn’t be found. The LORD answered: "Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff." They ran and brought him out — head and shoulders above everyone.
1 Samuel 10:17-24
To obey is better
God commanded Saul through Samuel, and Saul did part of it his own way, then claimed it was for sacrifice. Samuel answered: "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." Because Saul rejected the word of the LORD, the LORD rejected him as king.
1 Samuel 15:10-23
Thousands and ten thousands
After David killed Goliath, the women sang, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Saul was furious. "What can he have more but the kingdom?" From that day, Saul eyed David.
1 Samuel 18:6-9
How are the mighty fallen
Facing defeat by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, Saul and his sons died, Jonathan among them. David — the man Saul had hunted — wept and wrote a lament: "How are the mighty fallen!"
1 Samuel 31:1-6; 2 Samuel 1:17-27
Key moments
- Anointed by Samuel: Israel’s first king. (1 Samuel 10:1)
- Hides among the baggage: A reluctant beginning. (1 Samuel 10:22)
- Rejected as king: "To obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Samuel 15:22)
- Jealous of David: "Saul eyed David from that day." (1 Samuel 18:7-9)
- Dies on Mount Gilboa: With his sons, in battle. (1 Samuel 31:6)
Questions about Saul
In meetBible these answers are given in Saul’s voice. They are written by hand and checked against Scripture.
Why were you jealous of David?
The women sang, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Scripture records my reaction: I was very angry, and I said, "What can he have more but the kingdom?" From that day I eyed David. I feared losing what I had.
What went wrong with your reign?
I was told plainly what to do and did it my own way, then dressed it up as worship. Samuel answered, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." Because I rejected the word of the LORD, he rejected me from being king.
Did you even want to be king?
When Israel gathered to see their king, I was hiding among the baggage. Scripture records that I hid, but not why. Readers have suggested fear, humility, or uncertainty — the text leaves it open.
Connected people
Read it yourself
Start with 1 Samuel 9–10.